Philosophical Representation: Studies in Attitudinal Instrumentalism

This book argues that we should adopt an instrumentalist approach to crucial cases of theoretical representation in philosophy, which are typically treated under a realist attitude. It provides case studies of numbers, modality, and belief and suggests that realist attitudes are not always warranted. The book illustrates the appeal of attitudinal instrumentalism to representations in semantics, philosophy of mind, and rule-following.

Format: Hardback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Philosophy is a rich tapestry of theoretical representations, each with its unique perspective on the world. This book delves into the question of how we should approach these representations, advocating for an instrumentalist stance in crucial cases that are often treated under a realist lens.

Ori Simchen, the author, guides us through a series of case studies, including numbers, modality, and belief, to explore the complexities of philosophical representation. He challenges the notion that realist attitudes should be taken for granted, proposing a framework for determining when a realist perspective is warranted. Through these case studies, Simchen demonstrates that the representations employed fail to meet the criteria for realist interpretation.

The second part of the book showcases the allure of attitudinal instrumentalism in the fields of semantics, philosophy of mind, and rule-following. By adopting an instrumentalist approach, we can gain a deeper understanding of the roles that representations play in our cognitive processes and philosophical inquiries.

This book is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students engaged in philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, metaphysics, philosophical logic, and philosophical methodology. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of theoretical representation and provides a framework for navigating the complexities of this philosophical domain.

Weight: 344g
Dimension: 234 x 159 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032307428